Texas Flips a 2027 D-Lineman From LSU and the Recruiting Ripple Doesn’t Stop There

Texas whiffed on five-star Marcus Fakatou on Monday. He picked Ohio State. Steve Sarkisian’s staff didn’t spend much time sulking.

Within hours, the Longhorns locked in a commitment from Jason Johnson — a 6-foot-4, 290-pound defensive lineman out of Atascocita High School in Humble, Texas. Johnson had offers from LSU, Vanderbilt, Florida, Kentucky, Arkansas and Texas A&M. He chose Texas. And he announced it with the kind of conviction that plays well in Austin.

“Trust in God’s plan. LONGHORN NATION I’M HOME. HOOK EM,” Johnson posted via Hayes Fawcett of On3 and Rivals.

Johnson’s not a five-star. He’s listed as a three-star on most recruiting boards. But his film tells a different story. He lines up and just destroys single blockers. His bull rush is nasty. He combines power and hand placement in a way that makes offensive linemen look like they’re moving in slow motion. That’s why SEC programs were all over him.

The 2027 class is shaping up fast for the Longhorns. And Johnson isn’t the only defender who turned down big-name programs to come to Austin.

More Defensive Talent Headed to Austin

Four-star safety Junior Tu’upo said no to Alabama and Auburn — two schools that rarely lose recruiting battles in their own backyard. He also turned down Oregon. That’s a significant pull from the state of Alabama for a Texas team still building its SEC identity.

On Tuesday, four-star defensive tackle Tyler Alexander committed to Texas over Georgia, Notre Dame and Colorado. That’s three heavyweight programs with brand power and recent playoff success. Texas beat all of them.

Then there’s the biggest get so far. Five-star cornerback John Meredith pledged to the Longhorns on June 19. He picked Texas over a long list of bluebloods. That commitment alone signaled a shift in how elite defensive backs view the program.

Johnson rounds out a defensive haul that’s starting to look like one of the best in the country for 2027. The Longhorns are stockpiling size and physicality in the trenches. That’s how you win in the SEC long term.

But don’t take my word for it. Just watch Johnson’s tape. The bull rush alone is worth the price of admission.